Get support
You do not have to navigate everything alone.
AWEF offers culturally responsive community support, advocacy, information, signposting and appropriate referrals for African women, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. We listen first, help women understand the situation they are facing and work with them to identify practical next steps.
AWEF is not an emergency service. In immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted.
We may be able to help with
Tell us what is happening.
Bring it to us in your own words. These are the areas we may be able to help with.
- 01Employment and workplace
- 02Housing and accommodation
- 03Health and wellbeing
- 04Domestic abuse and safeguarding
- 05Family and practical support
- 06Education, English and skills
- 07Discrimination and equality
- 08Integration, isolation and community
- 09Digital inclusion and access to services
- 10Finding appropriate specialist or professional support
What to expect
A clear, respectful first step.
Whatever you bring to us, this is how AWEF works with you.
Listen
We give you space to explain what is happening.
Understand
We help identify the main issues and what support may be appropriate.
Inform
We provide general information and rights awareness within our community role.
Support
Where appropriate, we can help you organise information, prepare for communication or navigate a service.
Refer
When specialist, regulated or professional advice is needed, we help connect you with an appropriate service or professional.
Follow up
Where appropriate and agreed, AWEF may continue community-based support alongside specialist involvement.
Important information
Our community role and professional boundaries.
AWEF is not currently a regulated legal advice provider. We do not replace solicitors, regulated advisers, healthcare professionals, emergency services or other specialist services. Where an issue requires regulated or specialist advice, we will seek to signpost or refer you appropriately.
How we connect women with specialist supportIf you are in immediate danger
Contact the emergency services.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you cannot speak on a mobile, listen to the operator and, when prompted, press 55.
AWEF is not an emergency service.
Free to contact directly
- National Domestic Abuse HelplineFree, confidential support, 24 hours a day.
- Police, non-emergencyTo report something that is not an emergency.
- NHS 111Urgent medical help when it is not life-threatening.
Ask for support
Ready to take the first step?
Tell us what support you are looking for. We will listen and help identify an appropriate next step.
Tell us how we can help
Use our enquiry form to send your message securely. You can tell us how and when it is safe to contact you.
Prefer to call? 07425 580561. Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00. In immediate danger, call 999.
Questions
Questions people often ask.
Short answers before you get in touch. If your question is not here, contact our team.
Who can ask AWEF for support?
AWEF primarily supports African women, refugees, people seeking asylum, migrants and their families in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. If AWEF is not the right service, the team will try to signpost you to a trusted organisation.
Does AWEF provide legal advice?
AWEF is not currently a regulated legal-advice provider. The team can share general rights information and help you find an appropriately qualified professional or service.
What happens after I contact AWEF?
AWEF will listen, understand what you need, explain available options, provide practical support where appropriate, refer you to specialist help when needed and follow up where possible.
What if it is unsafe to contact me?
Use the safe-contact option on the form to tell AWEF whether email, phone, text or voicemail is safe. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services.
Can I share my lived experience?
Yes, but participation must be voluntary, informed, safe, supported, meaningful and acknowledged. You can ask questions and change your mind before your contribution is published or used.
Support the woman. Strengthen the community. Influence the system.
Not sure if AWEF is the right place to ask?
Tell us anyway. When specialist, regulated or professional advice is needed, we help connect you with an appropriate service or professional.